Here are a few reasons why Chopin uses this comparison:
1. Rebirth and New Beginnings: Just like a child is born into a new world full of possibilities, Mrs. Mallard feels reborn after her husband's death. She realizes that she now has the opportunity to shape her own life and destiny, free from the expectations and limitations imposed by her marriage.
2. Innocence and Lack of Responsibilities: Children are often seen as carefree and innocent, and Mrs. Mallard's newfound freedom allows her to feel a similar sense of lightness and lack of responsibility. She is no longer burdened by the duties of being a wife and can explore her own desires and interests without guilt or obligation.
3. Reconnecting with the Self: Children are often more in tune with their own feelings and desires, and Mrs. Mallard's comparison to a child suggests that she is rediscovering her authentic self after years of suppressing her true nature in her marriage. She feels a renewed sense of self-awareness and empowerment.
4. Reclaiming Childhood Dreams: Many adults carry unfulfilled childhood dreams and aspirations. By comparing Mrs. Mallard to a child, Chopin hints that she may now have the chance to pursue those dreams and desires that she had set aside during her marriage.
5. Emotional Vulnerability: Children are known for their emotional openness and vulnerability, and Mrs. Mallard's comparison to a child suggests that she is experiencing a range of emotions, from grief to joy, without the need to suppress or control them. She allows herself to feel whatever comes naturally, without the weight of societal expectations.
Overall, the comparison of Mrs. Mallard to a child emphasizes the transformative power of freedom and independence, and how it can allow individuals to reconnect with their true selves and embrace new possibilities.